The winter solstice has held a special place in the routines of many cultures throughout history. Its observance has varied considerably but there are countless traditions associated with the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one. How does the theme of renewal and the rebirth of the wheel of seasons resonate with us today? What traditions are valuable to bring us more in touch with this one moment, which, like every other, will never come again. Payton led our sangha this Sunday, December 25th, as we tried to find out.
He read an article by Taylor Plimpton from Tricycle magazine, which you can find here:
The article includes a quote by the Japanese poet Issa:
New Year’s Day—
everything is in blossom!
I feel about average.
Payton also read a quote from the Dalai Lama:
“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”
Burlington Buddhist Sangha 